Daughter of Thought, Women Painting Women:(R)evolution

Here's my third painting in the show at Principle Gallery, opening Sept 20, 2013.

Daughter of Thought,  47x32, oil on canvas over panel.

My model was Philadelphian, and fellow Women Painting Women artist, Rachel Constantine. She is a stand-in for each of my Athena like WPW sisters.

Click Read More below to see more details and links to all the artists in the show.

The Seamstress, Women Painting Women: (R)evolution

Here's my second painting for the show, opening Friday, Sept 20, 2013 at Principle Gallery. Do women paint women differently than men do? All the WPW shows are giving us a chance to see these paintings in a collective way and giving us an opportunity to contemplate the question.

The Seamstress, 39x32, oil on canvas over panel.

I have painted a male model wearing this superhero shirt many times but never painted a woman wearing it and decided the Women Painting Women:(R)evolution exhibit was the perfect time to do it.

This is one of those paintings that for me began as a story inspired by an individual and personal story but has transcended into a universal theme.

The model is my daughter, Carly. Rather than wait for her time to come this young heroine is taking her destiny in hand. Who doesn't want to be a superhero? ‘Tis better to create her own reality, even though at times it may feel as though she’s holding it all together with safety pins. She can be in charge and look feminine and sexy as hell at the same time.

Click on Read More below to see details of the paintings and musings.

Women Painting Women Press, Vive La (R)evolution!

The Women Painting Women: (R)evolution shows running concurrently this fall are getting AWESOME press:

Fine Art Connoisseur online, by Allison Malafronte

American Art Collector, Sept 2013 issue, by Rochelle Belsito.
(more images from this article in my next post about The Seamstress)

Click Read More below to see the rest of the press.

Women Painting Women:(R)evolution, Self Portrait with Beard

Count down to Friday, Sept 20, 2013 opening at Principle Gallery, Alexandria, VA!

I'm so pleased that I have three paintings in this show. Here's the first one. (the other 2 will be in subsequent blog posts)

I've been journaling this idea for a while and trying to figure out a way to do it properly. It started with the oft repeated sentiment "It's man's world." When designing pieces for this show on the theme of Women Painting Women: (R)evolution I knew it was time to explore this concept.

Self Portrait with Beard, 20x16, oil on linen over panel

Click Read More below to see details of the painting and info about the show and monster press from all seven 2013 WPW shows.

9 Plein Air Painting Tips and A Packing Check List

Earlier this summer I had the pleasure of spending a couple of days plein air painting down at Sugar Beach in Grayson State Park, in Florida. The painting conditions were perfect; a cool breeze, very few people, the shade of a pavilion and a red wing blackbird singing all day for company.

My Top 9 Plein Air Painting Tips

Here are few helpful hints to consider when choosing a location, a subject and progressing through the painting process.

Lavender Shadows on Sugar Beach, 9x6, on on oil primed linen

1. Scout out locations ahead of time if possible. Consider crowds, wind, angle of the sun, shade and the closest bathroom if you plan on painting for very long.

2. Set up in the shade to avoid the glare of the sun on the painting's surface. Think of where the sun is and where it will be in a couple of hours. Look for a spot out of the wind. 

3. Think about your physical comfort. Bring extra clothes, standing in the shade for a few hours can get chilly. Gardening gloves with the fingers cut out are great for keeping hands warm. (59 degrees standing still for hours in the shade is cold!) Hats, bug spray, sun screen, etc. (See below for a list of supplies to pack for your comfort)

Click Read More below for the rest of the tips and a packing check list.

Principle Gallery Face Off - Round II

The Face Off- Round II went off without a hitch and a good time was had by all. I have to say thank you to my fellow artists who helped me settle my nerves so that I could PAINT!

And a big thank you to Michele, Clint, Julia, Jessica and Chris, who kept everything running incredibly smoothly. You guys are the best.

Here is a pictorial review for your enjoyment! Photos courtesy of Principle Gallery. 

Click Read More below to continue: